U.S. patent application number 12/183114 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-05 for tamper detection mechanism and card processing device.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Chisato HIYAMA, Kazunori TAKAHASHI, Toshio TATAI.
Application Number | 20090038019 12/183114 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39832233 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090038019 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TATAI; Toshio ; et
al. |
February 5, 2009 |
TAMPER DETECTION MECHANISM AND CARD PROCESSING DEVICE
Abstract
A tamper detection mechanism for detecting tampering when a sub
system is removed from a host device may include a screw member
that may include a head portion, a major diameter shaft portion and
a minor diameter shaft portion. The tamper detection mechanism may
also include a through hole provided in the sub system, a lever
member, and a detection switch. The lever member may withdraw from
said through hole as it is pushed by the major diameter shaft
portion when the screw member is tightly screwed, and may advance
into the through hole when the screw member is loosened. The
detection switch may detect whether the screw member is tightly
screwed or loosened based on withdrawal or advancement of the lever
member.
Inventors: |
TATAI; Toshio; (Nagano,
JP) ; HIYAMA; Chisato; (Nagano, JP) ;
TAKAHASHI; Kazunori; (Nagano, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CANTOR COLBURN, LLP
20 Church Street, 22nd Floor
Hartford
CT
06103
US
|
Assignee: |
NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
Nagano
JP
|
Family ID: |
39832233 |
Appl. No.: |
12/183114 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
726/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 19/207 20130101;
G07F 9/02 20130101; G08B 13/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
726/34 |
International
Class: |
G06F 21/06 20060101
G06F021/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 31, 2007 |
JP |
2007-200239 |
Claims
1. A tamper detection mechanism for detecting tampering when a sub
system is removed from a host device, comprising: a screw member
comprising a head portion, a major diameter shaft portion and a
minor diameter shaft portion and which a thread portion formed on
said minor diameter shaft portion is screwed into a screw hole in
said host device to fix said sub system to said host device; a
through hole which is provided in said sub system and through which
said major diameter shaft portion passes; a lever member which
withdraws from said through hole as it is pushed by said major
diameter shaft portion when said screw member is tightly screwed,
and advances into said through hole when said screw member is
loosened; and a detection switch which detects a tightly screwed
condition or a loosened condition of said screw member based on the
withdrawal or advancement of said lever member.
2. The tamper detection mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein
an end portion of said lever member facing said through hole is
tapered toward a tip point, and said end portion is projected to an
end portion of said through hole on said host device side.
3. The tamper detection mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein a
diameter of said major diameter shaft portion and a diameter of
said through hole are almost the same.
4. The tamper detection mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein
said screw hole is formed in a first protrusion portion that
protrudes from a mounting face of said host device to which said
sub system is attached, and said through hole is formed in a bottom
of a recess portion cut in said sub system to accommodate said
first protrusion portion.
5. The tamper detection mechanism as set forth in claim 1 which is
provided with a second protrusion portion projecting from a
mounting face of said host device, to which said sub system is
attached, and a pressing-detection means for detecting changes in
the pressing force caused when said second protrusion portion
presses.
6. A card processing device equipped with the tamper detection
mechanism described in claim 1, wherein said sub system is equipped
with a bezel having a front face and a card insertion slot exposed
from an opening of said host device, a card processing section that
reads and writes information on a card inserted at said card
insertion slot, a casing which is tightly fixed to said bezel to
seal said card processing section, and a fixing face which is
provided around an outer periphery of said front face to make
contact with said mounting face of said host device to which said
sub system is attached; and said recess portion is provided in said
fixing face.
7. The card processing device as set forth in claim 6 wherein said
lever member is extended from said bezel to the vicinity of said
card processing section; and said detection switch is connected
with a control circuit of said card processing section to detect
movement of said lever member.
8. The card processing device as set forth in claim 6 wherein when
said detection switch detects possible removal of said sub system
from said host device based on the detection by a
pressing-detection mean, predetermined data in said card processing
section is deleted.
9. A tamper detection mechanism which detects whether a sub system
has been tampered with, comprising: a fixing member which has a
major diameter shaft portion and a minor diameter shaft portion and
fixes said sub system to a host device; a through hole which is
provided to said sub system and through which said major diameter
shaft portion passes; a lever member which withdraws from said
through hole as it is pushed by said major diameter shaft portion
when said fixing member is tightly fixed, and advances into said
through hole when said fixing member is loosened; and a detection
switch which detects the a tightly fixed condition or a loosened
condition of said fixing member based on the withdrawal or
advancement of said lever member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 to Japanese Application No. 2007-200239 filed on Jul. 31,
2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a tamper detection
mechanism for detecting tampering when a sub system is illegally
removed from a host device and a card processing device equipped
with the mechanism.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Generally, in banking industries, a system is configured
such that a host device (such as an ATM) commands a sub system
(such as a card reader) to execute processing, and the sub system
receives the command and executes the processing, and notifies the
host device of the processing result. More specifically, magnetic
cards and IC cards are used as cards for cashless [pay] or personal
IDs. A magnetic card is a card in which a plastic substrate surface
has a magnetic strip formed thereon, and an IC card is a card in
which an IC chip is embedded in a plastic substrate; the reading
and writing of information with respect to those cards are
performed by a sub system (a card processing device (a card
reader)) equipped with a magnetic head or IC contacts.
[0004] A card processing device is mounted onto a panel of a host
device such as an ATM in normal cases. When one attempts to remove
the card processing device from the panel by an illegal action, the
illegal action can be detected by various methods (see Patent
reference 1, for example).
[0005] In an IC card reader disclosed in the patent reference 1,
when a card processing device is illegally removed from a panel and
a physical attack (tampering) is carried out against a code board,
tampering is detected by a tamper switch and key information inside
the code board is automatically deleted.
[0006] Also, one of the requirements of a card reader with a
security measure (PCI-PED standard) is that an illegal act is
detected as soon as a card reader is removed from a host device. In
the card reader with a PCI-PED measure, a lever to press a
removal-detection switch SW is provided facing a host device
mounting face (panel). By pressing the lever further into the
mounting face, the SW is turned ON and the removal of the card
reader from the host device is detected. [0007] [Patent Reference
1] Unexamined Japanese Patent Application 2006-180244 (Tokkai)
(Paragraph [0009])
[0008] However, in the IC card reader described in the
above-mentioned patent reference 1 or the above-mentioned card
reader with a PCI-PED measure, a protrusion portion for pressing a
tamper switch or lever (SW/lever) needs to be provided on the
card-reader-mounting face (on the back side of the panel) in the
host device on the customer side. Therefore, the host device needs
to be modified according to the position of the SW/lever, stroke,
etc. Consequently, even if a customer wants to replace a
conventional card reader with another new card reader (such as a
card reader with a reinforced security function), it could not be
replaced without modifying the shape and size of the mounting
portion (protrusion portion, etc.).
[0009] Therefore, at least an embodiment of the present invention
is devised considering the above problems, and at least an
embodiment provides a tamper detection mechanism and a card
processing device which, while ensuring the security function for
detecting the removal of a sub system (a card processing device)
from a host device, makes replacement of the sub system (card
processing device) in the host device more convenient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] At least an embodiment of the present invention provides the
following:
[0011] A tamper detection mechanism for detecting tampering when a
sub system is removed from a host device, comprising a screw member
which is composed of a head portion, a major diameter shaft portion
and a minor diameter shaft portion and fixes the sub system to the
host device as a thread portion formed on the minor diameter shaft
portion is screwed into a screw hole of the host device, a through
hole which is provided in the sub system and through which the
major diameter shaft portion passes, a lever member which withdraws
from the through hole as it is pushed by the major diameter shaft
portion when the screw member is tightly screwed and which advances
into the through hole when the screw member is loosened, and a
detection switch for detecting the tightly screwed or loosened
condition of the screw member based on the withdrawal or
advancement of the lever member.
[0012] According to at least an embodiment of the present
invention, in a tamper detection mechanism for detecting tampering
when a sub system is illegally removed from a host device, a screw
member composed of a head portion, a major diameter shaft portion
and a minor diameter shaft portion, a through hole through which
the major diameter shaft portion passes, a lever member which
withdraws from the through hole as it is pushed by the major
diameter shaft portion when the screw member is tightly screwed and
advances into the through hole when the screw member is loosened,
and a detection switch for detecting the tightly screwed or
loosened condition of the screw member based on the withdrawal or
advancement of the lever member; therefore, while the security
function is ensured, convenience can be increased.
[0013] In other words, the function of the lever member which
advances [into the through hole] when the sub system is removed
from the host device as well as the function of the detection
switch for detecting the removal of the sub system based on the
advancement of the lever member are used to detect an illegal
removal immediately, thus ensuring security.
[0014] In particular, according to at least an embodiment of the
present invention, the lever member withdraws from the through hole
and advances into the through hole. When the sub system is
installed in the host device, [the lever member] withdraws from the
through hole pushed by the host device. Therefore, there is no need
to modify a device-fixing portion (such as a protrusion portion)
formed on a panel of the host device, and thus there is no need to
modify the host device. Consequently, convenience can be improved
for the time when a sub system needs to be replaced in a host
device. Thus, at least an embodiment of the present invention can
increase not only security but also convenience.
[0015] The tamper detection mechanism wherein an end portion of the
lever member facing the through hole is tapered toward a tip end,
and the end portion is projected to an end portion of the through
hole on the host device side.
[0016] According to at least an embodiment of the present
invention, an end portion of the lever member facing the through
hole is tapered toward a tip end and projected to an end portion of
the through hole on the host device side. Therefore, the end
portion of the lever member makes contact with the screw member in
the vicinity of the border between the major diameter shaft portion
and the minor diameter shaft portion; therefore, it can be detected
that the screw member is even slightly loosened (that the screw
member is slightly moved in the direction away from the host
device), resulting in increased security.
[0017] The tamper detection mechanism wherein the diameter of the
major diameter shaft portion and the diameter of the through hole
are almost the same.
[0018] According to at least an embodiment of the present
invention, the diameter of the major diameter shaft portion and the
diameter of the through hole are almost the same; therefore, there
is no wasted space in the lever member, thus increasing accuracy in
tamper detection.
[0019] The tamper detection mechanism wherein the screw hole is
formed in a first protrusion portion which projects from a mounting
face of the host device on which the sub system is mounted, and the
through hole is bored in the bottom of the recess portion provided
in the sub system to accommodate the first protrusion portion.
[0020] According to at least an embodiment of the present
invention, the above-described screw hole is formed in the first
protrusion projecting from a mounting face of the host device on
which the sub system is mounted, and the through hole is bored in
the bottom of the recess portion provided in the sub system to
accommodate the first protrusion portion; therefore, when a thread
portion formed on the minor diameter shaft portion is screwed into
the screw hole in the host device, the first protrusion portion
cannot be seen from outside and also it is difficult to access the
first protrusion portion from outside. Therefore, security can be
further improved. Since the area (the end portion of the through
hole on the host device side) where the host device and the sub
device make contact with each other is arranged at the bottom of
the labyrinth structure with alternating indentations and
protrusions, access to the lever member from outside is made
difficult, preventing the function of the lever member from being
interfered with.
[0021] The tamper detection mechanism further comprising a second
protrusion portion projecting from a mounting face of the host
device on which the sub system is mounted and a pressing-detection
means provided at the bottom of the recess portion for detecting
the change in the pressing force caused as the second protrusion
portion presses.
[0022] According to at least an embodiment of the present
invention, the tamper detection mechanism is equipped with a second
protrusion portion projecting from the mounting face of the host
device on which the sub system is mounted and a pressing-detection
means (such as a pressure switch) provided at the bottom of the
above-mentioned recess portion for detecting the change in the
pressing force caused as the second protrusion portion presses;
therefore, even if the tamper detection function of the lever
member does not work, illegal tampering can be prevented.
[0023] A card processing device equipped with the tamper detection
mechanism, wherein the sub system is provided with a bezel having a
front face and a card insertion slot exposed from an opening of the
host device, a card processing section for the reading and writing
of information on the card which is inserted at the card insertion
slot, a casing that makes tight contact with the bezel to seal the
card processing section, and a fixing face which is provided on the
outside periphery of the front face and makes contact with the
mounting face of the host device on which the sub system is
mounted; and the recess portion is provided in the fixing face.
[0024] According to at least an embodiment of the present
invention, in a card processing device equipped with the
above-described tamper detection mechanism, a bezel, a card
processing section, a casing and a fixing face are provided. Since
the above-mentioned recess portion is formed in the fixing face, it
would be difficult to gain access from outside to the fixing face
which cannot be seen from outside; therefore, access to the recess
portion is also made difficult, thus preventing the function of the
lever member from being interfered with.
[0025] The card processing device wherein the lever member is
extended from the bezel to the vicinity of the card processing
section, and the detection switch is connected to the control
circuit of the card processing section to detect the movement of
the lever.
[0026] According to at least an embodiment of the present
invention, the lever member is extended from the bezel to the
vicinity of the card processing section, and the detection switch
is connected to the control circuit of the card processing section
to detect the movement of the lever; therefore, a tamper detection
function with an inexpensive and simple configuration can be added
to the card processing device.
[0027] The card processing device wherein when, based on the
detection by the detection switch or the pressing-detection means,
the possible removable of the sub system from the host device is
detected, predetermined data in the card reader section is deleted
from the card processing section.
[0028] According to at least an embodiment of the present
invention, when the above-mentioned detection switch or the
pressing-detection means detects the removal of the sub system,
predetermined data in the card processing section is deleted;
therefore, the leaking of important data can be prevented,
realizing tighter security.
[0029] A tamper detection mechanism for detecting tampering against
a sub system, comprising a fixing member which has a major diameter
shaft portion and a minor diameter shaft portion and fixes the sub
system into a host device, a through hole provided in the sub
system, through which the major diameter shaft portion passes, a
lever member which withdraws from the through hole as it is pushed
by the major diameter shaft portion of the fixing member when the
sub system is fixed and advances into the through hole when the
fixing member is loosened, and a detection switch for detecting the
tightly fixed condition or loosened condition of the fixing member
based on the withdrawal or advancement of the lever member.
[0030] According to at least an embodiment of the present
invention, a tamper detection mechanism for detecting tampering
when a sub system is illegally removed from a host device is
provided with a fixing member composed of a major diameter shaft
portion and a minor diameter shaft portion, a through hole which
the major diameter shaft portion passes through, a lever member
which withdraws from the through hole as it is pushed by the major
diameter shaft portion when the sub system is fixed and advances
into the through hole when the fixing member is loosened, and a
detection switch for detecting the (tightly) fixed condition or
loosened condition of the fixing member based on the withdrawal or
advancement of the lever member; therefore, while the security
function is ensured, convenience can be increased.
[0031] According to the tamper detection mechanism and the card
processing device of at least an embodiment of the present
invention, when a sub system (card processing device) is removed
from a host device, the removal is immediately detected by a lever
member and a detection means; therefore, security is ensured. Also,
the lever member withdraws from and advances into the through hole;
therefore, even for replacing the sub system (the card processing
device), there is no need to modify a device-fixing portion formed
in a panel of the host device, thus increasing convenience.
Particularly, when [the lever member] withdrawal and advancement
happen inside the through hole, access from outside is made
difficult and therefore, security is further improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
[0032] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings which are meant to be
exemplary, not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered
alike in several Figures, in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a card reader of at least an
embodiment of the present invention mounted in a host device.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an external appearance of
the card reader of at least an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0035] FIGS. 3(a)-3(c) are explanatory diagrams to explain a
detection mechanism that uses a lever member in the tamper
detection mechanism of at least an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0036] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram to explain a detection
mechanism that uses a sheet switch in the tamper detection
mechanism of at least an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Embodiments of the present invention are described
hereinafter referring to the drawings.
[0038] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing that a sub system (such as a
card reader) 1 of at least an embodiment of the present invention
is installed in a host device 100 (such as an ATM or kiosk). FIG. 2
is a perspective view of the external appearance of the card reader
1 of at least an embodiment of the present invention. Note that
although the card reader 1 shown in FIG. 1 is employed as an
example of a card processing device in this embodiment, at least an
embodiment of the present invention can be applied to other kinds
of card readers.
[0039] In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the card reader 1 is equipped with a
bezel 10 having a front face 11 and a card insertion slot 12 which
are exposed from an opening of the panel 30 of the host device 100,
a card processing section (not shown). Configured by an electrical
component such as a CPU, ROM or RAM) for reading and writing
information on the card inserted at the card insertion slot 12, and
a casing 20 which makes tight contact with the bezel 10 to seal the
card processing section. Note that the casing 20 is attached to the
bezel 10 by screws which are not illustrated.
[0040] In the bezel 10, a fixing face 14 is formed around the
outside periphery of the front face 11 to make contact with the
mounting face 100A of the host device 100 onto which the card
reader 1 is mounted.
[0041] The front face 11 and the fixing face 14 are formed in a
step that steps back from the panel 30 toward the inside of the
host device 100. In other words, the front face 11 is formed on the
front side (near side in FIG. 2) relative to the plane including
the fixing face 14. Because of this, only the front face 11 can be
seen from outside via the panel 30, but the fixing face 14 cannot
be seen from outside.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, in the card reader 1 of this embodiment,
a recess portion 13 is formed on one side of the fixing face 14 (on
the right side in FIG. 2). Also, (two) through holes 15 are formed
in the bottom of the recess portion 13. (Note that the bezel 10 has
four through holes 15 in total). Inside of one of the through holes
15, a lever member 16 is provided. Also, in the recess portion 13,
a sheet switch 17 is provided at a place different from those of
the through holes 15. A tamper detection mechanism that uses the
lever member 16 or the sheet switch 17 will be described in detail
referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
[0043] Note that in FIG. 2, the lever member 16 is provided in one
of the four through holes 15, which is located on the bottom left
when seen from the front side; however, it can be provided in any
location. Also, [a lever member] can be provided in each of the
multiple through holes 15. The card reader 1 is screwed onto the
panel 30 of the host device 100 by using the through holes 15 (the
screws are not illustrated). In other words, the card reader 1 is
screwed through the through holes 15 from the back side (the far
side in FIG. 2) of the fixing face 14.
Tamper Detection Mechanism
[0044] FIG. 3 is an explanatory illustration to explain a detection
mechanism that uses the lever member 16 in the tamper detection
mechanism of at least an embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] Tampering is a physical attack against the card reader which
is a sub system, such as an illegal act of removing the case of the
card reader 1 or an illegal act of removing the card reader 1
itself from the host device.
[0046] In FIG. 3(a), the fixing face 14 of the card reader 1 is in
contact with a mounting face 100A of the panel 30. Also, in the
panel 30, a first protrusion portion 30a is formed projecting from
the mounting face 100A and a screw hole 30b is bored in the center
of the first protrusion portion 30a.
[0047] The recess portion 13 is provided in the fixing face of the
card reader 1 so as to accommodate the first protrusion portion
30a. As described above, the through hole 15 is formed in the
bottom of the recess portion 13, and the end portion 16a of the
lever member 16 is advanced into the through hole 15.
[0048] The lever member 16 moves together with a lever portion 16b
so as to let the end portion 16a withdraw from the through hole 15
or let the end portion 16a advance into the through hole 15. Also,
as shown in FIG. 3, the lever member 16 of this embodiment is
provided with a supporting point 16c near the end portion 16a, and
the lever member 16 is moved around the supporting point 16c as a
center. Also, lever portion 16b is connected with a return spring
32, and the lever member 16 is moved clockwise around the
supporting point 16c as a center by the urging force of the return
spring 32 in FIG. 3, by which the end portion 16a of the lever
member 16 is advanced into the through hole 15 (see FIG. 3(a)).
[0049] A micro switch 40 is arranged on the lever portion 16b on
the card insertion direction side (see arrow in FIG. 3(a)) to
detect the movement of the lever portion 16b which moves together
with the lever member 16. Note that the lever member 16 is extended
from the bezel 30 to the vicinity of the card processing section,
and the micro switch 40 is connected to the control circuit of the
card processing section to detect the movement of the lever member
16.
[0050] Also, if the movement of the lever member 16 is detected,
that is, the possible removal of the card reader 1 from the host
device 100 (for example, a screw member 18 to be described later is
loosened) is detected, predetermined data (secret data) in the card
processing section is deleted, and thus the predetermined data
(secret data) is prevented from leakage or alteration.
[0051] Next, FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c) show how tampering is detected
in the card reader 1.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 3(b), the card reader 1 is mounted onto the
panel 30 of the host device 100 by screw members 18 which are the
fixing member. More specifically described, each screw member 18 is
composed of a head portion 18a, a major diameter shaft portion 18b
and a minor diameter shaft portion 18c, and a thread portion formed
on the minor diameter shaft portion 18c (a surface of the minor
diameter shaft portion 18c) is screwed into a screw hole 30b of the
host device 100 to fix the card reader 1 to the host device 100.
Also, the minor diameter shaft portion 18c and major diameter shaft
portion 18b of the screw member 18 pass through the through hole 15
(completely or partially) provided in the recess portion 13 of the
card reader 1.
[0053] The end portion 16a of the lever member 16 is pushed by the
major diameter shaft portion 18b when the screw member 18 is
tightly screwed in (tightly screwed condition), and the end portion
16a is moved counterclockwise around the supporting point 16c as a
center against the urging force of the return spring 32 and then
withdraws from the through hole 15. On the other hand, when the
screw member 18 is loosened (loose condition), the end portion 16a
is moved clockwise around the supporting point 16c as a center by
the urging force of the return spring 32 to advance into the
through hole 15. FIG. 3(b) shows that the tightly screwed
condition.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 3(c), when the screw member 18 is loosened,
the screw member 18 moves in the card insertion direction to change
from the tightly screwed condition to a loosened condition. At that
time, since there is a step in the radial direction between the
minor diameter shaft portion 18c and the major diameter shaft
portion 18b of the screw member 18, the end portion 16a of the
lever member 16 advances into the through hole 15. Accordingly, the
micro switch 40 is switched between ON/OFF.
[0055] The micro switch 40 is turned OFF when the end portion 16a
of the lever member 16 is advanced into the through hole 15 due to
the urging force of the return spring 32. On the other hand, when
the panel 30 is attached and the end portion 16a of the lever
member 16 is pushed by the major diameter shaft portion 18b of the
screw member 18 and withdraws from the through hole 15 against the
urging force of the spring 32, the micro switch 40 is turned ON.
Therefore, with the micro switch 40 that is operated as described,
a tightly screwed condition or loosened condition of the screw
member 18 can be detected based on the advancement or withdrawal of
the lever member 16, and thus, the illegal removal of the card
reader 1 from (the panel 30 of) the host device 100 can be
detected.
[0056] Note that a rotary type or slide type lever member 16 may be
adopted. When a rotary type is used, the lever member 16 is moved
around the supporting point 16c as a center. When a slide type is
used, [the lever member 16] slides back and forth freely in the
direction almost perpendicular to the screw member 18. Although the
micro switch 40 is adopted as an example of a detection switch in
this embodiment, it can be by any kind such as a leaf switch or a
light-shield switch.
[0057] Also, in this embodiment, the end portion 16a of the lever
member 16 facing the through hole 15 is tapered toward the tip end
and protrudes to the end portion of the through hole 15 on the host
device 100 side; however, the present invention is not limited to
this. In other words, the end portion 16a can be in any shape, and
the end portion 16a can be advanced from any part of the through
hole 15. Further, in this embodiment, the diameter of the major
diameter shaft portion 18b of the screw member 18 and the diameter
of the through hole 15 are almost the same; however, the present
invention is not limited to thisembodiment.
[0058] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram to explain a detection
mechanism using a sheet switch 17 in the tamper detection mechanism
of at least an embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] In FIG. 4, a sheet switch 17 is provided at the bottom of
the recess portion 13 created in the fixing face 14 of the card
reader 1. The switch can detect the change in the pressing force of
the second protrusion portion 30c projecting from the mounting face
100A of the host device 100. Since such a sheet switch 17 is
provided, even if the screw member 18 which is a fixing member is
pulled out [in order to repair] some kind of breakdown, tampering
can be detected as soon as the card reader 1 is removed from the
host device 100, further improving security.
[0060] Note that "the pressing-detection means" can be any means
such as a pressure switch or a pressure sensor as long as it
detects the change in the pressing force of the second protrusion
portion 30c.
[0061] As described above, according to the card reader 1 of this
embodiment, the function of the lever member 16 whose end portion
16a advances when [the card reader] is removed from the host device
100 and the function of the micro switch 40 for detecting the
removal of the card reader 1 based on the advancement of the lever
member 16 are used to immediately detect an illegal removal, thus
ensuring security.
[0062] Since the end portion 16a of the lever member 16
automatically withdraws due to the first protrusion portion 30a of
the host device 100 that comes into the through hole 15, there is
no particular need to modify the shape of the first protrusion
portion 30a even for replacing the card reader 1. Therefore,
convenience can be increased for replacing the card reader 1 in the
host device 100.
[0063] By configuring the lever member 16 such that the end portion
16a of the lever member 16 advances into the through hole 15,
access from outside is made difficult, thus preventing
tampering.
[0064] The screw member 18 which is a fixing member used in the
tamper detection mechanism of this embodiment is constructed with
the head portion 18a, the major diameter shaft portion 18b and the
minor diameter shaft portion 18c, and the end portion 16a of the
lever member 16 makes contact with the screw member 18 in the
vicinity of the border between the major diameter shaft portion 18b
and the minor diameter shaft portion 18c; therefore, a slight
loosening of the screw member 18 can be detected, thus increasing
the security level.
[0065] Also, in this embodiment, the diameter of the major diameter
shaft portion 18b and the diameter of the through hole are almost
the same; therefore, there is no wasted space in the lever member
16, resulting in increased accuracy in the detection of
tampering.
[0066] Also, the through hole 15 is bored in the bottom of the
recess portion 13; therefore, the first protrusion portion 30a
cannot be seen or accessed from outside. Because of this, security
can be further improved.
[0067] Further, in the card reader 1 of this embodiment, the sheet
switch 17 as the tamper detection mechanism is also used for
detection (see FIG. 4). The sheet switch 17 is provided at the
bottom of the labyrinth structure with alternating indentations and
protrusions; even if the lever member 16 is out of order, an
illegal removal of the card reader 1 from the host device 100 can
be detected. Therefore, security can be further increased.
[0068] Also, since the lever member 16 and the micro switch 40 used
for the tamper detection mechanism are widely-used
members/components, a tamper detection mechanism with an
inexpensive and simple configuration can be added to the card
reader 1.
[0069] Further, when the possible removal of the card reader 1 from
the host device 100 (the screw member 18 is loosened, for example)
is detected as described above, predetermined data (secret data) in
the card processing section is deleted; therefore, important data
and confidential data is protected from leaking, and thus tighter
security can be provided.
[0070] Although, in the card reader 1 of this embodiment, the lever
member 16 is withdrawn by using the screw member 18, at least an
embodiment of the present invention may adopt a lever member 16
which withdraws as it is pushed by a device fixing portion (such as
a protrusion portion of the host device) under the condition where
the card reader 1 is attached to the panel 30 and advances when the
card reader 1 is removed from the panel. More specifically
described, the fixing face 14 of the card reader 1 is formed in a
step that steps back from the front face 11 toward the inside of
the device, and the lever member 16 is configured to protrude from
the fixing face 14 to the device fixing portion (such as the
protrusion portion) of the panel 30. In this way, there is no need
to modify the device fixing portion formed in the panel 30 of the
host device 100; therefore, convenience can be increased for the
time when the card reader 1 is replaced in the host device 100.
[0071] At that time, a peripheral contact portion may be provided
around the outside periphery of the front face 11 to make contact
with an opening periphery of the panel 30 on the inner side of the
device. With this, tampering from the front side can be effectively
prevented.
[0072] The card processing device of at least an embodiment of the
present invention is useful because it detects its illegal removal
from the host device, ensures security, and increases convenience
for the replacement of the card processing device.
[0073] While the description above refers to particular embodiments
of the present invention, it will be understood that many
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such
modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the
present invention.
[0074] The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the
scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims,
rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are
therefore intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *